Sudden Storm
Suddenstorm
Enlarge
Copy_right F. Scott Hess

One of the most popular of the images I made in the 80s, Sudden Storm depicts a thunderstorm in America’s happiest place. Over two hundred figures scatter as the rain hits: parents search for missing children, adults cower under newspaper and jackets, and even Mickey and Donald dash for cover as a little brat pesters them. In the sky the clouds swirl, and a gnome’s visage seems to be peering out of one. It reminded me of ET, and try as I might, I couldn’t get the damn face to disappear. It only morphed into another form. I finally realized it was meant to be.

March 28, 2010
Visitor comments regarding this page (huh?)

If you register and login you can post comments. (huh?)

Bijan

Awesome. All the figures imbue energy. lol @ the E.T. in the sky!

F

I like this piece a lot too. Why do you think this image was so popular Scott?

106selfportraithfg

Disneyland! Seemingly being destroyed. Everybody loves Disneyland, and hates it, too.

Gharp_image_dsc_0308

I would be honored, Scott….

Gharp_image_dsc_0308

Let’s see, May 21st? No. Now it is October 21st…. There are so many things to love in this painting, Scott, that it would take all day to list them. It is just so completely incongruous with LA and that is why I love it. Anything is possible here with a big dollop of imagination, and you have plenty of that!

106selfportraithfg

I’ve only been to Disneyland a couple of times, so there is a lot of imagination here. I think you’re in there, too, Grady. That charming fellow towards the back…

Portrait_bust_detail

I’ve always liked this one, even though I know it’s a popular one. It’s sort of an apocolypse light, perfect for SoCal and less filling than regular apocolypse.

106selfportraithfg

I think you should can your apocalypse and sell it by the six-pack. Apocalypse Classic. Apocalypse Zero, with no calories! Maybe some in mini cans, for those that don’t have time for the full Apocalypse…